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BYSide by Michelle Sobala

All have white clusters of flowers in an umbrella formation – like a burst of fireworks. They are all somewhat tall with long stems. They tend to grow near rivers, forests, grasslands, and even on livestock or roadsides. They all grow in many places, including California and Nevada. Not surprising, they're all a part of the umbellifer family (Apiaceae). These three wild flower look-alikes have a lot of similarities–however two of them are edible and one is deadly.

Queen Anne's Lace typically has a small dark red or purple flower in the center. With a pleasant carrot-like scent. Its umbrella is flat-topped with 3-prong shoots starting from the base. The stem is solid green and hairy. Shorter in height, being 2-3 feet tall. While the root is edible.

Brewer's Angelica has the most rounded umbrella and can be found in a light green color. A noticeably fragrant-floral scent. The stem is hairy and green, some variations are reddish. It is mid-height at 3-9 feet tall. Entirely editable, however, there's also Poison Angelica to not be confused with.

Poison Hemlock's umbrella is rounded. Carrying an unpleasant scent. The stems are smooth with dark purplish splotches. Heights range from 6-10 feet tall. It will grow almost anywhere and can be found in places in the United States. Poison hemlock can be fatal, even in small doses.